The OPA Board of Directors met on 4/2/2005 in a special meeting to discuss community space needs. The meeting was open to all association members and the board provided a period for public comment.

The results of this meeting are significant in that the board approved a plan of action to address community space needs. Much will be written about this meeting over the coming weeks. However, when the dust settled there are three fundamental items association members should understand:

1. The board passed a motion to build a new community hall of approximately 20,000 square feet in the so-called "sports core" area across from the library. Cost is estimated at $2.7 million.

2. The board passed a motion to renovate the existing community hall at  cost of about $1.9 million.

3. The board also discussed possible financing options, as well as a referendum to see association member approval.

In regard to financing there was no mention of the beach properties, and it appears this is off the table in terms of any near-term board decisions. The board hopes to finance the projects with the sale of some buildable lots owned by OPA with an estimated value of $2 million, and an additional $1 million from reserves. The balance of about $1.7 million could come from sale of one or more of three commercial lots along Route 589, or financed over 30 years at about $10 per year per lot owner.

Stachurski made a remarkable suggestion in regard to a referendum on the issue. He suggested a referendum outlining the board proposal go out to association members before any money is spent on design and engineering. The idea would be to provide a general overview on what the board proposes and a cost, asking the members to allow the board to proceed.

During the course of the meeting the board took a trip to visit the new community hall facilities nearing completion at the Community Church. At about 14,000 square feet this structure provides an excellent idea of what Ocean Pines may see in its future. If all goes as planned, the new Ocean Pines community hall could be open for use by the winter of 2006.